Spring Cleaning Tips for the Garage Door

 Spring cleaning is underway in and around the home again. Windows are sparkling, cobwebs are disappearing and the lawn is getting prepped for another summer. In the midst of all the sweeping and shampooing, cleaning the garage door often gets overlooked. We get it, there’s a lot going on. Between work and focusing on your family, washing down the garage door is last on the list. We want to encourage you to make time for this important chore.

 

Check out why…

 

When maintenance and proper care are observed, your garage door should have a life span of about 20 years. Washing it on a regular basis, (twice a year is recommended) helps protect your investment and extend its life.

 

Your door is exposed to all kinds of elements-sun, rain, snow, wind-after a while, they can take a toll on your door and affect the finish. Washing on a regular basis helps to protect the finish from erosion and rust. If you have a wooden door, you should also be refinishing the surface every so often, besides keeping it clean. Keep your door from going dull and maintain its outer look.

 

Is your home for sale? A good wash is essential for curb appeal! If your lawn is beautiful and your homes exterior on point, you don’t want that marred by a dull looking garage door. Keep that door sparkling and the overall look seamless.

 

We live in an area that, come winter, gets treated with salt fairly regularly. Keep rust and erosion, (and possible repair bills), at bay by keeping your door clean.

 

A clean door lets you see any damage more clearly. As you wash the exterior, take a moment to inspect the interior. Look over the track, springs and motion sensors. Check for dings or scrapes on the door that could get worse. When you notice problems sooner, they can be addressed in a timely manner.

 

Time to Wash!

 

A mild cleaning solution is best for most finishes. Dish or car wash soap will do well to get off the dirt and grime. Mix 1 cup soap with 2 gallons of water. NEVER add bleach, as that could ruin a doors finish.

Choose non-abrasive sponges or a soft cloth. Opt out of using rags or used clothing as they may already have grease or other cleaning products on them. Have some clean cloths on hand for drying as well.

You may need a small step ladder to reach the top of the garage. Make sure it’s sturdy!

Start from top and work your way down. Don’t be afraid to put some elbow grease into it. Make sure to really concentrate on the lower portion that gets exposed to most of the grime.

Hose the surface gently to remove all that dirt. Don’t be tempted to use a pressure washer, you could really damage the finish that way.

 

Enjoy your spotless door and let our staff know if it’s time for a routine maintenance appointment. 

 

 

This post first appeared on https://www.abedoors.com

Garage door installations can stand up to nearly anything with the right weather care and attention from a garage door repair pro.

This post first appeared on https://www.doorpower.com

Did you know that garage doors are one of the most vulnerable parts of your home? Though they might look sturdy, they still have to be lightweight enough to raise and lower. This can lead to issues when your home encounters intense storms. If you want to avoid major damage to your home, you need to make sure your garage door has the right wind rating.

The Average Strength of a Garage Door

The typical garage door is usually strong enough to resist winds of at least 20 miles per hour. This means that they usually won’t get damaged by the typical thunderstorm or snowstorm. However, most garage doors won’t rip off the second the wind goes over 20 mph. Instead, they just start to weaken at this point. Extended exposure to wind over 20 mph is enough to cause problems with your garage door.

Typically, 20 mph wind resistance is the bare minimum for garage doors. It is very common for doors to be able to resist higher amounts of wind. Many doors marketed as “wind-resistant” can withstand winds over 100 mph. These doors can usually withstand up to 50 pounds per square inch of pressure from the wind. There are even specially designed impact doors that can resist winds of up to 200 mph.

How Do You Find Your Garage’s Wind Rating?

Indiana’s building codes aren’t extremely strict about wind ratings for garage doors, so there’s no guarantee that your door can withstand a certain amount of wind. To be prepared for any extreme weather, you need to take the time to check your door.

Look along the inside of your garage door for a label. This is often an orange, white, or yellow sticker somewhere along the side of the door. If you do not see a label, try looking up your door’s model number online. You can often find a user manual with details about the door’s wind resistance. Once you locate the label, you can look for the part of the label that says something like “design wind speed.” This will tell you the maximum speed of wind the door can handle.

Your garage door label will actually have a lot more information beyond just the maximum wind speed the door can handle. As you look at the label, you’ll find a spot that says “PSF” with a low number and a high number. The PSF rating will tell you the number of pounds per square foot of force that the door can handle. This helps you get a better idea of how the door handles pressure as the wind pushes against it.

There is a positive and a negative PSF number because wind can hit your door from multiple directions. The positive number refers to how much pressure your garage door can handle when the wind blows against it. The negative number refers to how well your garage door can handle wind pressure sucking the door out of the frame.

Understanding What the Different WindCode Ratings Mean

If you’re concerned about your garage door’s ability to stand up to wind, it might be helpful to learn a little about WindCode ratings. WindCode is a standard rating system developed by Clopay. It takes into account things like the garage door’s size, its maximum wind speed, and its position on the building. This rating has levels ranging from W-1 to W-9, with higher ratings meaning the door can resist higher wind speeds.

Some garage doors may mention their WindCode on them, or you can use Clopay’s WindCode calculator to find your garage door’s code. Once you have the WindCode for your door, you can see if it’s appropriate for your exposure level. The exposure rating refers to how exposed your house is to the wind. Homes surrounded by forests or other homes get less battered by wind, while homes on open plains or by oceans get intense wind forces. It is important to find a door with a WindCode rating that gives you enough coverage.

What Will Happen If Your Garage Door Encounters Extreme Wind Speeds?

If your garage encounters winds it cannot resist, it is likely to either buckle inwards or get pulled outwards. The end result is a lot of damage to your garage door. Some issues can be repaired, but it’s more common for homeowners to need to buy a brand new door. If the high winds are accompanied by other extreme weather, you can also end up with a lot of water inside your garage. This can damage any stored items or cause flooding.

A door that is pushed in or ripped off by wind does more than just expose your garage to the elements. It is also a big structural danger for the rest of the home. Modern houses are designed to work as a single cohesive unit. If a large hole appears in any of the walls, you can get uneven pressure zones throughout the home. Wind can funnel into your garage and end up knocking over walls or pushing your roof off. Ultimately, even a tiny bit of damage to your garage door can weaken your home’s structural integrity.

How to Choose the Right Wind Load Rating for Your Needs

Now that you know about all the dangers of a weak garage door, you might be rethinking your current situation. If you are in the market for a new garage door, you need to carefully consider the door’s wind resistance. Many homeowners want a wind-rated door that can withstand at least 50 mph winds. This gives you coverage from most issues like storms, tornados, and blizzards. If you live in an area with a lot of wind, you might want to select an even stronger door.

Though safety should be your priority, it’s also important to consider your budget. Typically, a higher wind rating comes with a higher cost. If you need an affordable garage door, you might want to avoid getting an unnecessarily strong door. However, keep in mind that a higher wind resistance can be good even if you don’t encounter storms. Many insurance companies will give you a discount on your premium if your garage door meets certain safety standards. Check with your insurance company to see if they adjust premiums based on garage door type. In some cases, the higher cost for a door might be offset by lower insurance.

Can You Improve Your Door’s Wind Rating?

If you aren’t happy with your door’s wind rating but don’t want a brand-new door, you do have the option of installing a bracing kit. A wind bracing kit won’t improve your door’s ability to withstand wind-flung objects. However, it does keep the individual panels from buckling when a strong wind hits. This retrofit kit is quite affordable and can help your door withstand wind speeds of over 100 mph.

Are you worried about your garage’s ability to withstand wind? Garage Door Doctor is here to help. Since 2009, we have been helping the people of Indianapolis with their garage doors. Our team is comfortable working with both residential and commercial doors, and we provide a variety of installation and repair services. To schedule a free consultation about your garage door, give us a call today.

The post How Much Wind Can Your Garage Door Handle? appeared first on Garage Door Doctor.

This post first appeared on https://www.garagedoordoctorllc.com

From lubricating your garage door tracks to assessing your garage door cables, lots needs doing this season—and this garage door company is here to help.

This post first appeared on https://www.doorpower.com

Some turn their noses up at wooden garage door installations, but when you partner with us, they give steel a run for its money.

This post first appeared on https://www.doorpower.com

ndiana is fortunate to enjoy a mild and temperate climate and pleasant weather for most of the year. But the Hoosier State is certainly no stranger to seasonal weather extremes, and those are the times when it’s really nice to have a garage in your home. You’re on your own when you get out on the roads, but you’ll never have to worry about bringing in groceries in the rain or spending all morning chiseling ice off your windshield! Here’s a look at how you can ensure that your garage doors remain fully functional all year long, no matter what Mother Nature might have in store for you.

Indiana Weather Conditions at a Glance

Indiana is located between USDA hardiness zones 5b and 6a, with the northern part of the state located in zone 5b and the southern part of the state located in 6a. Indiana’s temperate climate means that we get hot and muggy summers and cold winters with frequent snowfall. We do get more seasonal average rainfall than the rest of the United States, but our winter storms are comparatively milder than they are a little further north.

You won’t normally have to make any extraordinary preparations to deal with Indiana’s weather extremes, aside from running your heating and air conditioning as needed and dressing appropriately. You might need to make additional home preparations for cold conditions in certain areas of the state and will need to take certain precautions if you live near a body of water or in a floodplain area.

Preparations for the Fall and Winter

Before the cold season hits, the first thing that you want to do is to check the batteries on your garage door opener remote. It’s a pretty simple (and often overlooked) way to ensure your garage door will open each and every time that you need it. Be sure to also check the integrity of your weather stripping. Your garage door is your first line of defense against the elements, and it can help you lower your home energy costs. Even if your garage isn’t fully finished out and insulated, keeping your garage door closed can make a big impact. If you still have older garage doors without built-in insulation, you can insert foam panels for additional weatherproofing to tide you over until you’re ready to make an upgrade.

Your garage door also prevents excess humidity from entering your garage and hastening the growth of rust and oxidation. The other part of keeping rust away is properly lubricating metal parts. Garage door opener maintenance isn’t a DIY project, and you can void your manufacturer’s warranty if you attempt to perform any unauthorized repairs on your own. Fortunately, you don’t need any special training or technical skills to use a can of WD-40!

You’ll want to be sure to lubricate the track and all of your metal components such as the rollers, springs, hinges at least a couple of times a year. Lubricate these parts more frequently if you hear squeaking sounds. If you hear grinding sounds, that often means that you have a bigger problem. Your springs and your track can be particularly vulnerable to cracking and damage during the winter months, and you might need to have a part replaced or have some other professional service performed. Garage door springs are an inexpensive part to replace, but if you wait too long to get them repaired then minor issues can quickly develop into major issues.

Be sure to know where all of your snow and ice removal equipment and supplies are located and keep them convenient. If you have a snowblower, this is a great time to start it up and make sure that it will be ready when you need it. Be sure to keep your eye on the weather conditions at all times and be ready to spring into action at any time!

Preparations for the Spring and Summer

After you’ve made it through the winter months, it’s time to assess the damage. The first thing you’ll need to do is clean up all the accumulated debris from the garage door and floor. A dirty garage door will usually work just as effectively as a clean one, but you’ll want to keep the track and sensors clear at all times. You also need to be on the lookout for rust and water damage. Be sure to visually inspect the garage doors for damage.

Cleaning your track doesn’t require any special tools or equipment, but even small debris can affect its operation. Lubricating the metal parts of your garage door opener reduces routine wear and tear and delays the spread of rust.

Annual Maintenance

If you’ve ever had a car stuck in a garage before, you were probably prepared to pay almost anything to get the garage door open. You definitely need to make a call when your garage door gets stuck or when your garage door opener is completely inoperable. However, an annual maintenance call is often the “stitch in time” that you need to prevent a crisis situation in the future. Your garage doors and your garage door openers function best when you do your part, but they’re not a DIY project. Even if you’re a skilled home handyman, you owe it to yourself to schedule annual professional maintenance.

During your annual garage door maintenance visit, we’ll begin by assessing the integrity of your garage door seals and we’ll inspect your garage door opener and track. The most common problems that we encounter are damaged springs and routine wear and tear. Bolts can get loose and your track can get out of alignment when metal parts expand and contract in response to hot and cold conditions. We’ll make sure that the track and sensors are all properly aligned, and we’ll tighten everything up and lubricate all of the components.

Should I Replace My Garage Door?

It might seem a little difficult to justify the cost of a new garage door if your garage door isn’t damaged, but you’d be surprised to learn how affordable it can be to make an upgrade! A newer and more modern garage door is a great way to improve your curb appeal and lower your energy costs! If your existing garage door is malfunctioning or if you’re just interested in a new look for your home, we’re a phone call away!

Garage Door Doctor has been proud to serve The Hoosier State since 2009, and we believe in providing a customer service encounter that’s second to none! We’re always a phone call or a mouse click away when you’re ready to schedule a free no-obligation estimate, and we guarantee transparent up-front pricing with no hidden fees! We’re proud members of the International Door Association, and we have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau!

Contact Garage Door Doctor today to schedule residential, commercial, and industrial garage door services in the Bloomington or Indianapolis metropolitan areas! We provide same-day service and appointments and 24/7 emergency service when disaster strikes!

The post How to Prepare Your Garage Doors for Indiana Weather appeared first on Garage Door Doctor.

This post first appeared on https://www.garagedoordoctorllc.com

Whether you’re considering undergoing a drastic renovation or just decorating your home, new custom garage doors are an excellent way to improve curb appeal. They can give your home a completely different look and put it at the top of the list for buyers in the area if you’re planning to sell, or provide a great looking backdrop as you welcome friends and family into your home at holiday time.

The Benefits of Custom Garage Doors

Garage doors must be safe and functional, but they can also be beautiful. Not only is it a valuable asset that can increase the value of your home, it is also a means of creating an attractive entryway that can be a joy to return to after a long day. In addition to protecting your car, the custom garage doors we source from trusted companies are built to last. A custom garage door can add value and beauty to your home for the long term. Unlike builder-grade doors which are usually done as cheaply as possible, custom garage doors can be made specifically to bring a new dimension of beauty and style to your home.

Choosing the Perfect Garage Door for Your Home

Garage doors come in many different styles and materials so there is sure to be one that would suit the style of your home perfectly. The main considerations are the material, style, and color.

Garage Door Materials

There are many custom garage door materials available, including steel, aluminum, wood, etc. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Garage Door Styles

Having the perfect garage door is not your only choice when it comes to being able to improve curb appeal and add a trendy look to your home. You can always go with a standard modern steel garage door, a beautiful wooden door, or a full-view glass door.

Garage Door Colors

The garage doors that you choose should be complementary to the other features on the home, There are many color schemes to choose from when it comes to garage doors. If you want your garage door to blend seamlessly with the style of your home and seem as if they were an addition and not a standalone component, than it’s best to pick a neutral color such as white or beige. But many of our popular custom garage doors are a contrast to the home, including wood grains, darker colors, and even straight black.

For a better idea of how different garage door colors and styles look on homes, visit our garage door gallery. These projects have photos along with the description of the new garage door(s), such as make, model, material, color, and style.

Finishing Touches

There are several options to consider to add character and fine-tune the look of your garage door. One example is decorative hardware, with handles and hinges that give the door a more functional appearance.

Garage doors can often be made to match or complement the look of existing doors, columns, and eaves on the property. This brings out the features that add character and charm to your project, while at the same time giving it all a unified feel.

Windows, which are typically placed on the top panel or to one side, are an appealing way of breaking up and adding character to otherwise plain surfaces. The natural light introduced to the garage or living area helps to brighten the space and make it more inviting.

Custom Garage Doors in Utah

Custom garage doors may be exactly what your home needs to make it feel like a home. Custom garage doors and their customization options and variety will give you the opportunity to find the perfect features that appeal to your needs, vision, and style. Garage doors can be built to meet just about any need. You can choose the style, materials, size, and color for your home.

Our team at A Plus Garage Doors provides free quotes in Utah (check our service areas) and help to decide the perfect garage door for you. We offer a wide array of services to better serve your needs.

The post Enhance Curb Appeal with Custom Garage Doors first appeared on A Plus Garage Doors. This post first appeared on https://utahgaragedoors.net

Garage door tracks are a stalwart piece of equipment that ensure your garage door installation performs consistently day in and day out.

This post first appeared on https://www.doorpower.com

Want to save on garage door repair this season? Learn from a garage door company how to safeguard your machine’s vulnerable parts.

This post first appeared on https://www.doorpower.com

According to one survey, six out of 10 American homes have a garage. When garage doors are in working condition, they can be an added convenience. But some faults can lead to accidents and even fatalities. Approximately 30,000 injuries per year happen due to garage door malfunctions. Here are some tips you ought to consider for your family’s safety.

Take Time to Learn Garage Door Features

Your garage door will come with safety features to prevent accidents. They may vary according to the model and manufacturer. But some features such as the photo-eye have been standard for garage openers for decades.

But to use safety features, you have to learn how to utilize them when there is an emergency. One of the most critical functions is mechanical release. It disengages the door when the photo eye and auto-reverse malfunction.

By learning the safety features, you won’t have to rush for the manufacturer’s manual in an emergency. And you will need to find out how it operates for routine testing of different mechanisms.

Be Cautious When the Door Is in Motion

Be cautious when the opener is closing or opening. Pay attention to pets and children running around the garage door. You ought to talk to your children about the dangers of playing when the door is in motion.

Also, avoid leaving the door open or partially closed. It can not only compromise your home’s security, but it could also be a hazard. Someone can get crushed under it when you reactive the opener.

You should watch your fingers when using the opener. As the panels are closing, your fingers can be pinched by the folds at the hinges. However, the most recent models have pinch-resistant hinges which prevent accidents.

It would help if you didn’t fiddle with the door’s mechanism. There are many parts of its mechanism that can lead to severe injuries. Consider calling Garage Door Doctor for quality repair and maintenance solutions in Indianapolis.

Keep an Eye on the Garage Door Opener

The opener to your automatic garage door can be dangerous in the hands of children. Kids can be curious, and they may pick up the remote and play with it. Always keep the remote where the little ones cannot get hold of it.

According to Pediatrics, the garage door opener is one of the devices responsible for 50,000 injuries of children. Don’t let small children play with the remote, even under supervision. The little ones can harm themselves or damage parts of the garage door mechanism.

Consider keeping the opener safe in the car away from the children’s reach. If you let them play with it, they may be tempted to use it when you are not around.

Change the Opener’s Codes

The latest models of garage door openers come with a feature that can automatically change the code. Every time you use the remote, it resets the code to prevent burglars from getting access to your home.

Unfortunately, some older models do not have the rolling code feature. You may want to change the code from time to time to keep your home safe. The changes are critical, especially if your neighbor’s garage was built around the same time. In such cases, your code may be similar to the garage opener next door.

You can check your manufacturer’s manual for instructions on how to change the code. Consider using alphanumeric characters and numbers, as you would with a regular password. Professionals from Garage Door Doctor in Indianapolis recommend changing the code at least twice a year.

If you find changing codes a chore, consider upgrading to a newer model with more convenient features. The most recent openers have Wi-Fi connectivity, vacation mode, and a guest password feature.

A garage door can last between 15 and 20 years. If your garage door is more than a decade old and showing signs of deterioration, consider getting a replacement. A newer model has fewer faults and better safety features for your home protection.

Test the Auto-Reverse Feature

The auto-reverse function has been a safety feature on garage door models for more than two decades. It prevents the door from crashing anyone or anything caught in between. If it detects even the slightest resistance, it will automatically reverse.

At Garage Door Doctor, we recommend our Indianapolis clients test the auto-reverse feature periodically. Fortunately, the process is as easy as placing a towel or paper rolls on the ground under the door. The door should reverse when it touches the object.

If your garage door doesn’t pass the test, you may want to call our professional team for troubleshooting. A faulty auto-reverse can be a hazard. It is also advisable to disconnect the door until the repairs are complete.

Perform Routine Garage Door Visual Checks

Make a point of visually inspecting your garage door every month to maintain safety. Check the fasteners, hinges, and brackets for loose connections. You can also look for signs of wear and tear, such as rusting and damage.

Inspect the door panels and handles. Are the handles away from the pinch points? If not, the door can injure your fingers. Make sure the door opens without any glitches. Check if the rollers remain within the track during its operation. Also, ensure the door opens fully and does not get stuck halfway through.

Torsion springs are amongst the most dangerous parts of the garage door. They carry the door’s weight, which could be anywhere between 130 and 400 pounds. You can visually inspect its mechanism, but don’t be tempted to fix it yourself. If the spring snaps, it can be deadly.

The torsion spring mechanism has a containment system that prevents broken components from flying dangerously into the air. You can check if the containment system is in place. The springs should be on a shaft and a cable passing through the center of the spring. If unsure, call a professional for inspections.

Schedule Routine Garage Door Maintenance

Your garage door has many intricate components that must work seamlessly for optimum efficiency and safety. But as with any other system, it can succumb to deterioration or malfunctioning parts.

Modern garage door models have multiple features to maximize safety and convenience. But these features make it even more complicated to fix. A routine visual inspection is recommended. However, always leave the repairs to an experienced technician.

It is also wise to observe routine maintenance at least once a year. You may be tempted to extend it to two years, but you risk voiding your warranty. You can confirm the terms of your warranty from the manufacturer. The conditions may vary according to the model or brand.

Routine maintenance by a technician is the best way to prevent accidents in your home. A professional can detect problems that could injure someone in your residence later. With routine maintenance, you can have peace of mind when using the garage door.

Garage Door Doctor is a family-owned and -operated company with years of experience serving residents of Indianapolis. Our team is BBB accredited, and we are also members of the International Door Association. We repair door springs, openers, and provide replacement and maintenance services for commercial and residential clients. Call us today for a 24-7 emergency service.

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This post first appeared on https://www.garagedoordoctorllc.com